Super Rugby Pacific Culture Round celebrates all the different backgrounds and nationalities that make the game great.
Fittingly, it begins with Moana Pasifika hosting the Highlanders in Auckland, with the NSW Waratahs facing the Fijian Drua in Sydney.
Watch every game of Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The ACT Brumbies will face the massive task of taking down the Chiefs in Hamilton as the Western Force host the Queensland Reds in Perth.
On top of this, the Super Rugby Women's action kicks off with a Grand Final rematch between the NSW Waratahs and Fijian Drua, with the Western Force up against the ACT Brumbies
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Sione Mafile'o, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Tevita Ofa
- Tom Savage starts for the first time in 2025 in the second-row
- Danny Toala comes into the centres, with Lalomilo Lalomilo (concussion) ruled out
- Patrick Pellegrini and Tevita Ofa are set to debut off the bench
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Josh Bartlett, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Saula Ma’u, Will Stodart, TK Howden, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Jake Te Hiwi
- Josh Bartlett makes his club debut in the front row
- Nikora Broughton has been elevated into the starting side in the back row
- New recruit TK Howden is set for his club debut after returning from injury
- The Highlanders are undefeated against the Moana Pasifika, winning each game by at least 11 points.
- Moana Pasifika are out for back-to-back home wins for the first time in their history.
- The Highlanders have lost 12 of their last 14 games away from Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Danny Toala v Timoci Tavatavanawai
Tavatavanawai has become the heart and soul of the Highlanders side and it’s up to Toala and Moana Pasifika to shut him down.
The winger-turned-centre is a massive threat in attack and defence and inspired the visitors to victory last weekend down two players.
As for Toala, he’s an experienced head for Samoa and will be eager to reclaim his starting spot in the backline.
Highlanders by 12
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Darby Lancaster, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O'Donnell, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly
- Darby Lancaster starts with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (toe) ruled out
- It pushes Andrew Kellaway to fullback and Triston Reilly onto the bench
- Henry O’Donnell makes his starting debut for the Waratahs in the centres
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenlagi, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Vuate Karawalevu, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini
- The Drua have made 10 changes to the matchday 23 this week to face the Waratahs.
- Captain Tevita Ikanivere is one of several stars to return, alongside Joseva Tamani and Caleb Muntz.
- Vuate Karawalevu starts against his old side, with speedy winger Ponipate Loganimasi back in the side.
- The Waratahs have won all four games against the Drua in Australia, with an average margin of 24.3 points.
- The Waratahs are out for back-to-back wins to start a season for the first tike since 2014
- The Drua have lost their last nine games in Australia, with their last win in the country coming against Moana Pasifika in 2022
Dave Porecki v Tevita Ikanivere
Dave Porecki made a solid start to his return to Super Rugby after his long stint in the sidelines.
A strong performance against Drua star Ikanivere will be massive for the former Wallabies captain to regain his spot in the Test set-up.
As for Ikanivere, he has been a thorn in the Waratahs’ side in previous matches, scoring in every single game.
Waratahs by 7
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Brodie McAllister, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i (c), Samipeni Finau, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Manasa Mataele, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Sione Ahio, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Daniel Rona, Gideon Wrampling
- All Blacks Cortez Ratima and Samipeni Finau return to the starting side
- Quinn Tupaea returns to the starting side after his two-try effort from the bench
- Samisoni Taukei’aho returns from a ruptured Achilles via the bench
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Judah Saumaisue, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton
- Rory Scott comes back into the side for Tom Hooper (concussion) as the lone change to their 23
- The Chiefs have won their last three straight games against the ACT Brumbies.
- The Brumbies have won just one of their last seven games against NZ teams in NZ, scoring an average of 17.6 points per gam.e
- The Chiefs have won 14 of their last 16 games against Australian sides (both against the Reds) and 17 out of their last 19 at FMG Waikato Stadiu.m
Damian McKenzie v Tom Wright
Two of the best players in Super Rugby Pacific are going head-to-head at the back.
McKenzie is a game-wrecker for opposition sides, highlighted by his 20-point haul against the Blues.
Wright has a similar effect and has taken up further responsibility in attack as the main playmaker, making him a massive threat for the Chiefs to shut down.
Chiefs by 4
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Raymond Tuputupu, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cameron Roigard, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Kade Banks
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai
- All Black Peter Lakai starts for the first time in 2024 at number eight.
- Raymond Tuputupu and Pasilio Tosi return to the starting side.
- Kade Banks will make his club debut at fullback.
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Beauden Barrett.
Replacements: James Mullan, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta’avao, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.
- Cam Christie is the lone change in the 23, in line for a debut after Laghlan McWhannell (cheek) was ruled out with injury.
- The Blues have won seven of their last 10 games against the Hurricanes.
- Five of the last six games between the two sides at SKY Stadium have been decided by ten points or fewer.
- The Hurricanes have won their last eight games at SKY Stadium but an average of 17.5 points.
Peter Lakai v Hoskins Sotutu
Lakai will be out to send a message in his first start of 2025 for the Hurricanes.
The number eight will be gunning to take the opportunity left by Wallace Sititi’s injury against a fellow All Blacks contender.
Sotutu is a man on a mission after his snub last year and will be desperate to inspire his side to victory.
Hurricanes by 6
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Sam Carter, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep (co-c), Nic White (co-c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Reesjan Pasitoa, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
- Reesjan Pasitoa starts in the centres, close to 1,000 days since his last appearance.
- Sam Carter starts in place of Jeremy Williams after his concussion.
- Atu Moli returns to the bench after his late withdrawal last week.
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Dre Pakeho, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Liam Wright, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan
- Dre Pakeho starts in the centres in place of Hunter Paisami
- Wallabies Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr and Angus Blyth start in the tight five
- Heremaia Murray makes his first appearance for the Reds at fullback
- The Western Force have won three of their last four games against the Reds at HBF Park.
- The Reds have scored 50+ points in two of their last three games.
- The Western Force have won three of their last five games against Australian teams, the same amount as they had in their previous 16 fixtures.
Carlo Tizzano v Fraser McReight
The battle of the sevens is something to make any forward salivate.
Tizzano is fresh off breaking the Super Rugby single-game tackle record and is in red-hot form with three tries in two games.
As for McReight, he was excellent in the win over Moana Pasifika and will be out to cement his spot as the clear Wallabies starter.
Reds by 8
WARATAHS (1-15): Emily Robinson, Millie Parker, Bridie O’Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Annabelle Codey, Ruby Anderson, Emily Chancellor (c), Leilani Nathan, Tiarne Cavanagh, Katrina Barker, Amelia Whitaker, Nicole Nathan, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Waiaria Ellis
Replacements: Adiana Talakai, Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Falika Pohiva, Jayjay Taylor, Anahera Hamahona, Tatum Bird, Jade Sheridan, Jacinta Windsor
- Emily Chancellor captains the side, with Piper Duck (shoulder) on the sidelines, capping off her return from injury.
- Adiana Talakai makes her return via the bench, whilst Katrina Barker starts at flyhalf alongside Tiarne Cavanagh after a concussion to Arabella McKenzie.
- Cavanagh is one of three in the starting side on debut alongside hooker Millie Parker and winger Amelia Whitaker.
DRUA (1-15): Salaniete Nabuli, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu (c), Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Salaseini Railumu, Karalaini Naisewa, Kolora Lomani, Salanieta Kinita, Alowesi Nakoci, Josivini Naihamu, Vitalina Naikore, Repeka Tova, Luisa Tisolo
Replacements: Isabella Koi, Loraini Senivutu, Anasimeci Korovata, Ema Adivitaloga, Bitila Tawake, Evivi Senikarivi, Litiana Vueti, Merewairita Neivosa
- Alfreda Fisher starts in the back-row whilst former Sevens star Alowesi Nakoci starts on the wing, with young gun Josivini Naihamu named in the centres.
- Naihamu partners the returning Vitalina Naikore in the midfield, who returns after her stint in the NRL.
- Vika Matarugu captains the side in the front-row, with Bitala Tawake named in the reserves.
- The Waratahs are the lone team to defeat the Fijian Drua in the finals, defeating them 50-14 in 2024.
- The NSW side have scored 40+ points in their last two opening games of the season.
- The Drua defeated the Waratahs in the team's last meeting in NSW (20-17 in 2023).
Georgia Friedrichs v Vitalina Naikore
The battle of the centres will be crucial towards deciding the Grand Final rematch.
Friedrichs takes greater responsibility on Friday with a host of Wallaroos on the sidelines, tasked with stopping the dangerous Naikore.
Naikore returns to Rugby Union after a brief stint in the NRL eager to enact revenge for the Drua.
Waratahs by 14
FORCE (1-15): Allana Sikimeti, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Braxton Walker, Sera Naiqama, Michaela Leonard, Tamika Jones, Anneka Stephens, Ashley Marsters, Georgia Cormick, Grace Freeman, Brooklyn Teki Joyce, Trilleen Pomare (c), Cecilia Smith, Adi Vani Buleki, Sheree Hume
Replacements: Loretta Mailangi, Megumi Takagi, Alapeta Ngauamo, Libya Teepa, Pia Tapsell, Ana Afuie, Nicole Ledington, Sammy Treherne
- Wallaroos Allana Sikimeti, Sera Naiqama, Ashley Marsters and Cecilia Smith will all start in their Force debuts.
- Fijian Olympic Sevens starlet Adi Vani Buleki will start on the wing in her Super Rugby W debut.
- Georgia Cormack starts in the halves with debutant Grace Freedman.
BRUMBIES (1-15): Lydia Kavoa, Tania Naden, Iroha Kishimoto, Ashley Fernandez, Easter Savelio, Siokapesi Palu (c), Chioma Enyi, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ella Ryan, Faitala Moleka, Charlie Brigstocke, Merania Paraone, Harmony Ioane, Biola Dawa, Kyah Little
Replacements: Katalina Amosa, Martha Fua, Hannah Stewart, Lily Bone, Jess Grant, Bonnie Brewer, Manua Moleka, Gabrielle Petersen
- Brumbies coach Andy Friend has named six new faces, with Charlie Brigstocke and Merania Paraone in the starting backline.
- Returning star Ella Ryan has won the race to start at scrumhalf, partnering Faitala Moleka.
- Faitala's sister, Manua, is one of three set to debut from the bench.
- The ACT Brumbies have not won their opening-round game since 2021.
- Hookers have dominated the try-scoring sheets in this contest, with a combined seven tries scored by the position in their last meeting.
- The Brumbies have scored over 30 points in their last two games against the Force.
Ash Marsters v Tabua Tuinakauvadra
The two Wallaroos will go a long way towards deciding the contest.
Marsters is looking for a strong debut for the Force, knowing the next generation of Wallaroos backrowers are gunning for her spot for the World Cup.
This includes 'Boo', with the number eight one of the breakout stars of the 2024 Test season.
Force by 8
